JFH Staff Review

It has been a few years since praise and worship veteran Meredith Andrews released an album of new (non-Christmas themed) material, but the two-time Dove Award winner is back with Faith and Wonder (Live). This six song set was recorded at her church and features songs co-written with other industry heavy hitters, like Phil Wickham and Steffany Gretzinger. The music is similar in style to those artists, leaning heavily on keys and synth while the more acoustic instruments hang in the background. The lyrics tend to waver between cliché and poetic, but are always sincere and passionate.

The first three songs are the weaker of the set, falling into well-worn territory of overused phrases and sentiments. "A Million Saints" is a good opener, though, carrying itself like a quick radio single and providing one of the catchier choruses. The title track and "Open Over Us" are more forgettable and drag out their run time longer than needed. However, the back half of this EP is much better. "Have to Have" opens with poignant and poetic metaphors to drive home the song's message about how we need Jesus. "On and On" tells of the tenacity of God's love for us, while "Who Could" closes things out and is probably the song that has the most cross-congregational appeal to it.

Faith and Wonder is a decent worship EP with a few good songs, but it falls into the middle of the road otherwise. The music and arrangements don't do much work to separate the EP from other similar projects, and half of the lyrics struggle to rise above cliché. Those looking for new praise music will enjoy Andrews' latest; others may want to at least give it a listen and pick out a song or two worth revisiting. Hopefully her next album will showcase more of what made this EP work and steer away from the weaker parts.

- Review date: 3/6/19, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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